Abstract
We reviewed fifty-four joints in forty-nine cases over three years after intertrochanteric osteotomy for advanced or far-advanced osteoarthritis of the hip (according to the J.O.A.'s radiological classifications of pre, early, advanced and far-advanced) between 1963 and 1981. In these cases we observed that the osteotomy effect might be expected to remain for ten to fifteen year, in unilateral cases, but only for five to seven years in bilateral ones.
Total hip replacements had been performed in two of thirty joints with early or more mild osteoarthritis in contralateral hip joint and, on the other hand, in eight of twenty-four joints with advanced or more severe osteoarthritis in the contralateral hip joint. Especially five of ten joints which had been osteotomized bilaterally, had been obliged to undergo total hip replacement. The post-operative clinical results seemed to correspond with Trendelenburg's sign clearly.
The importance of pelvic balance in relation to abductor muscle force is discussed as well as a discrepancy in the unilateral stance phase.
